The postponed third and last $30,000 leg of the Kentucky Sire Stakes for three-year-olds was raced on Monday at the Red Mile on a cool, overcast evening with the track rated “Good”. There was no wagering on the races due to the postponement.
American History went another big mile tonight, going under the wire in hand to Yannick Gingras with the greatest of ease in 1:49. The pair settled in fifth early as first Decoy (M. Johansson) then Thinkbig Dreambig (Jimmy Takter) ripped off fast fractions, then came uncovered and went right by the leader just off the last turn and opened up a long lead while restrained. Grand Teton (Andy McCarthy) went another big trip here to be second and Rush To Judgement (Matt Kruger) was third.
Tony Alagna trains the winner, a son of American Ideal, for owners Brittany Farms (also the breeder) Marvin Katz and American History Racing. He went through the ring at the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale (LSYS) for $150,000.
The colt trot was won by Classichap in 1:53.2, driven tonight by Corey Callahan for trainer Trond Smedshammer. Callahan left for position and was rewarded with an up close view of the speed duel that developed just in front as Eurobond (Domenico Cecere) and Wolfgang traded blows through the 1:23.4 three quarters. From there it was easy with an opening at the rail providing a clear path to victory. EL Platinum (M. Johansson) rallied up for the place and Wolfgang won the showdown for third.
Classichap is owned by the Purple Haze Stable who bought him from breeder Hayley Moore at the Lexington sale for $95,000. He went over $100,000 in career earnings with tonight’s win.
The first of two pacing filly divisions got things underway and Cuts Like A Knife (Marcus Miller) was the winner for local connections, trainer Kevin Thomas and owners Cotton, Francine and Julie Nash. Marcus took the uncovered route with the filly rolling up on Hurikane Express (Corey Callahan) around the second turn and wearing that one down late for the win. Cabowabocuttie (Pete Wrenn) was third.
Diamond Creek Farm bred the winner, a $55,000 (LSYS) purchase.
Lindy Farms continued their strong roll in the KYSS program winning with yet another homebred, this one the Somebeachsomewhere filly Belle in a career best-equaling 1:53.2. Marcus Miller picked up the drive with the defection of Dave Miller after last night’s cancellation and gave Belle a perfect steer, landing the pocket behind eventual second place finisher Neverforgetwhour (Elliott Deaton) and getting out just when she needed to for a half-length success. Fine Art (Callahan) was third. Belle is trained by Domenico Cecere.
Gingras also drove Ciao Dolce to a win in the first filly trotting race for trainer Bob Stewart in 1:55. Yannick sat in third as Lily Stride (M. Miller) cut the fractions, found a seam in the stretch then wore that rival down in the drive. Bandol Rose (Chuck Norris) was third. Kjell Andersen owns the winner, a $300,000 LSYS graduate bred by Steve Stewart, D. Robinson and Black Creek Farm.
Pat Matters, catch driven by Jimmy Takter for trainer Paul Kelley, took the second filly trot split in a new record for her of 1:54.2. Takter sat chilly as first Nixie Volo (Callahan) then Live Laugh Love (Wrenn) took turns on the lead through moderate fractions then split rivals late with good trot to get up. Nixie Volo held second and Supergirl Riley (M. Miller) closed to be third. The Patricia Stable bred and owns the winner, an Explosive Matter filly.
The $2 million finals of the KYSS are a part of the championship card on Sept. 16 has a first-race post time of 3 p.m. The Fayette County Fair will run from noon until 6 p.m. Admission is free and the fair will include food trucks, local craft breweries, bourbon tastings and an arts and crafts market.
Several music acts will play on two stages (one inside and one outside), with rising country star and Lexington native Walker Montgomery, Avery Crabtree and Conch Republic among the performers. Montgomery is slated to perform on the outdoor stage from 4-6 p.m. The racing program will kick off with a horse parade of various breeds and the Harness Horse Youth Foundation will offer hands-on equine experiences.
(Red Mile)